Dynamic Water Sprinkler System for Airborne Particle Control

The present disclosure relates generally to water sprinkler systems and, more particularly, to a dynamic water sprinkler system for suppressing airborne particles and ambient particulate matter.

In urban and industrial environments, airborne particles (e.g., pollution, dust, pollen, etc.) pose a significant threat to public health and environmental sustainability. Traditional methods of pollution control often rely on systems with limited adaptability and efficiency. These systems are typically static in nature and lack the ability to respond dynamically (adapt) to changing pollution patterns and environmental conditions. As a result, they may be ineffective in adequately suppressing pollution hotspots, leading to continued environmental degradation and public health risks.

Water sprinkler systems have been conventionally used for various purposes, including irrigation and fire suppression. These systems typically operate based on fixed parameters, like a fixed schedule (time and duration) and fixed flow rates, and are not specifically designed for automated pollution control purposes. Existing water sprinkler systems may lack the sophistication required to harness real-time data from environmental forecasts for adaptive control.

Accordingly, there is a need for a dynamic water sprinkler system that effectively targets and combats air pollution while simultaneously restricting water usage.

Various details of the present disclosure are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form prior to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter.

In various embodiments, a sprinkler system is disclosed including a plurality of sprinklers, a sensor to measure a parameter of airborne particles, and a controller in communication with the sprinklers and the sensor. Each sprinkler comprises a nozzle and is transitionable between a first state in which the nozzle abstains from spraying fluid and a second state in which the nozzle sprays fluid. The controller is to receive, from the sensor, a value of the parameter of airborne particles and selectively transition at least one of the plurality of sprinklers from the first state to the second state based on the value of the parameter.

In various embodiments, a method is disclosed including sensing, with a sensor, a parameter of airborne particles and selectively transitioning, with a controller, a plurality of sprinklers from a first state to a second state based on a value of the parameter of airborne particles. In the first state, a nozzle of at least one of the plurality of sprinklers abstains from spraying a fluid. In the second state, the nozzle of the at least one of the plurality of sprinklers sprays a fluid.

Any combinations of the various embodiments and implementations disclosed herein can be used in a further embodiment, consistent with the disclosure. These and other aspects and features can be appreciated from the following description of certain embodiments presented herein in accordance with the disclosure and the accompanying drawings and claims.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Additionally, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the scale of the elements presented in the accompanying Figures may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure generally relate to water sprinkler systems and, more particularly, to a dynamic water sprinkler system for suppressing airborne particles and ambient particulate matter. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a dynamic water sprinkler system for airborne particle (pollution) control. The water sprinkler system in accordance with the present disclosure combines advanced technology and environmental consciousness to combat outdoor air pollution dynamically. Beneficially, the water sprinkler system of the present disclosure exhibits substantial suppression of ambient airborne particles between 0.01 to 10 microns, displays significant reduction in water usage without compromising on air quality improvement outcomes by intelligently manipulating water distribution profiles in line with particulate cloud movement, and creates a positive impact on surrounding vegetation growth.

illustrates an example sprinkler, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the sprinklerincludes a baseand a headoperatively coupled to and extending from the base. The headincludes a plurality of nozzlesto convey a fluid from a fluid sourcetherethrough and toward, for example, airborne particles (pollution) to be suppressed. In some embodiments, the nozzlescomprise atomizing nozzles configured to generate water droplets with a mean diameter within the range of 20-50 microns. Droplets at this size range facilitate efficient scavenging of airborne particulates between 0.01 to 10 microns via diffusion, interception, and inertial impact.

In some embodiments, the sprinklerfurther comprises an electronically-actuatable control valveand an inlet conduitfluidically coupled to the control valveand fluidically couplable to the fluid source. The control valve(and thus, the sprinkler) is transitionable between a plurality of states to regulate the flow of fluid (water, for example) from the fluid source, through the inlet conduit, and to the nozzles. For instance, in some embodiments, the sprinkleris transitionable between a closed state in which no fluid flows through the control valve(e.g., the sprinklerabstains from spraying fluid through the nozzles), a first open state in which the control valvepermits a first rate of fluid flow therethrough (e.g., the sprinklerdischarges fluid from the nozzlesat a first rate), and a second open state in which the control valvepermits a second rate of fluid flow therethrough that is greater than the first rate of fluid flow (e.g., the sprinklerdischarges fluid from the nozzlesat a second rate greater than the first rate). In some embodiments, in the first open state, the control valveis partially open (25%, 50%, or 75% open, for example) and, in the second open state, the control valveis fully open (100% open). While two open states are described, it should be understood that the control valve(and thus, the sprinkler) can be transitioned into more than two open states, such as three, four, or five open states with each state having different rates of fluid flow therethrough.

In some embodiments, the control valvecomprises a solenoid valve actuatable to manipulate the orientation (position) of an internal valve member. In some embodiments, the control valveincludes a valve such as, but not limited to, a gate valve, a globe valve, a ball valve, or a butterfly valve, for example). The control valvealso includes an electric actuator (e.g., a motor) coupled to the valve to transition the valve between the closed and open states. In some embodiments, the control valvemay be configured to modulate water pressures between 50-120 psi. In some embodiments, the sprinklerfurther comprises a sprinkler controllercommunicably coupled (such as wireless or wirelessly) to the control valveand operable to control a state of the control valve.

In some embodiments, the headis rotatably coupled to the basesuch that the headcan rotate between a plurality of angular orientations to obtain a desired spray trajectory. For example, in some embodiments, the headcan be coupled to the basewith a ball-and-socket arrangement to allow the headto rotate between a first orientation, in which head(and thus, the nozzle) faces a first directionaway from the base, and a second orientation, in which head(and thus, the nozzle) faces a second directionaway from the basethat is different from the first direction. In such embodiments, the sprinklerincludes an actuator (such as a motor and cables tensionable by the motor, for example) to move the headbetween the plurality of orientations. In some embodiments, the first and second directions,are in the same plane. In some embodiments, the first and second directions,are in different planes.

In some embodiments, a central axis extends through the sprinklerand the headis rotatably coupled to the basein a manner that permits the headto rotate about the central axis Ao into the plurality of orientations. In some embodiments, the sprinklerincludes an actuator (such as a motor, for example) to move (rotate) the headbetween the plurality of orientations. In some embodiments, the motor rotates the headat a plurality of speeds, such as a first non-zero speed and a second non-zero speed greater than the first non-zero speed. Rotating the headat varying speeds allows the nozzlesto spray varying spray patterns (bigger area when rotated faster, for example). In some embodiments, the sprinklerincludes handlesthat permits a user to manually move the sprinklerbetween the plurality of orientations.

Referring now to, illustrated is a schematic, top view of the sprinkler, according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the headmay define a plurality of zones Z, where each zone Zcomprises a subset of the nozzles. In some embodiments, the sprinklermay include a plurality of control valves(as opposed to just one control valve) that are each fluidically coupled to the fluid source() and a corresponding subset of the nozzlesto control a flow rate of fluid to the subset of nozzles. In such arrangements, the sprinkler controller() can selectively transition the control valvesbetween the closed and open states to spray fluid from none, some, or all of the zones Zaccording to a desired spray trajectory. While 8 zones Zare shown, in other embodiments, the headcan define fewer (two, four, or six zones, for example) or more zones (ten, twelve, or fourteen zones, for example).

is an example dynamic sprinkler system, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The sprinkler systemcomprises a plurality of the sprinklerspositioned (mounted) in the ground in an areathat requires airborne particle (pollution) control from a pollution source (e.g., construction dust, dust clouds, vehicle emissions, stationary power generator emissions, other industrial and agricultural emissions, residential heating and cooking emissions, re-emission from terrestrial and aquatic surfaces, as examples). As used herein, the term “construction dust” refers to tiny particles of silica, a common mineral found in materials such as sand, stone, concrete, and mortar, that can be inhaled and pose health risk. While only three sprinklersare shown, the sprinkler systemcan comprise fewer than three sprinklers(such as one or two) or more than three sprinklers(such as four, five, for six, for example). In some embodiments, each of the sprinklersare fluidically coupled to the same fluid sourcevia an underground fluid lineto receive a fluid therefrom. In some embodiments, the fluid sourcecomprises a water tank (sweet water or treated raw water), treated ground water, or treated sewage effluent, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the sprinklersare positioned relative to one another in the areasuch that, when the sprinklersare in an open state (such as the first or second open states), the fluid sprayed (discharged) from the nozzlesdo not overlap, or do not substantially overlap, one another. Accordingly, in such embodiments, each of the sprinklersare positioned to spray (distribute) fluid within discrete portions of the areato target airborne particles. In other embodiments, the sprinklersare positioned relative to one another in the areasuch that, when the sprinklersare in the open state, the fluid sprayed from the nozzlesoverlap one another. Accordingly, in such embodiments, two or more sprinklerscan co-operatively spray (distribute) fluid within a discrete portion of the areato co-operatively target airborne particles.

In some embodiments, the systemfurther comprises one or more sensors for measuring parameters of the airborne particles and a system controllerin communication with the sensors and the sprinkler controllers(). The system controllercan receive measurements from the sensors and selectively control the sprinklersbased on the measured parameters. In some embodiments, the system controllercomprises a cloud-based system or a local controller. In some embodiments, the system controllerincludes a processor and a memory storing computer-readable instructions that are executable by the processor to carry out the various operations described herein. In some embodiments, the memory stores various sensor measurement thresholds and/or threshold ranges for determining when to transition the various sprinklersbetween the open/closed states, what orientation to position the sprinklers, and for how long to maintain the sprinklersin the open state before transitioning the sprinklersback to a closed state.

In some embodiments, the sensors are placed in discrete locations around the area. In some embodiments, the sensors are placed adjacent to a subset of the sprinklers(such as one, two, or three sprinklers, for example) such that each sensor senses/detects parameters of the airborne particles adjacent to the subset of sprinklers. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, the system controllercan selectively actuate a subset of sprinklersaccording to the sensed parameters local (adjacent) to the subset of sprinklers. In some embodiments, the system controllercan determine airborne particle movement within the areain order to determine which of the sprinklersto selectively actuate. In some embodiments, the system controllercan use machine learning algorithms to selectively actuate and/or position the sprinklersbased on the measurements from the sensors.

In some embodiments, the sensors comprise one or more air quality sensorsto continuously (or intermittently) sense the airborne particles (such as PM2.5, PM10, NOx, for example) within the area. In some embodiments, the air quality sensorscomprise optical sensors, such as nephelometers or tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs), for example, to measure and/or detect transient airborne particle hotspots within the area. In some embodiments, the air quality sensorscomprise a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor, a particulate matter (PM) sensor, or a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, the system controllercompares the values of the various sensor readings (measurements) to the sensor thresholds/threshold ranges stored in the memory. Based on the comparison, the system controllercan selectively orient and/or actuate some or all the sprinklersto suppress airborne particles in the area. As one example, an air quality sensor may sense one or more parameters in the area, such as a concentration of airborne particles (e.g., a dust cloud). The systemcontroller can receive the value of this parameter and compare the same to a concentration threshold. Based on the threshold approaching, reaching, or exceeding an upper threshold, the system controllercan selectively transition (actuate) a subset, or all, of the sprinklersto an open state to spray (discharge a fluid into) the airborne particles. In some embodiments, the amount of time the sprinklersremain in the open state can be a predetermined time, or can be based on the value of the sensed parameter approaching, reaching, or dropping below a lower threshold.

In some embodiments, the system controllercan further receive meteorological data (inputs) and selectively control the sprinklersfurther based on this data. For example, in some embodiments, the systemcomprises an environmental sensorto sense environmental parameters of the area. In some embodiments, the environmental sensorcomprises a LIDAR sensor to measure the direction and intensity of wind in the area, which can correspond to movement of airborne particles within the area. In some embodiments, the environmental sensorcomprises an anemometer, a wind direction sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor, doppler radar, or combinations thereof, which can provide additional data to the system controller. The system controllercan utilize this environmental data alone, or in combination with the various other sensors described herein, such as the air quality sensors, to control the sprinklers. In some embodiments, the meteorological data can comprise weather forecasts, and the system controllercan utilize the meteorological data to determine what direction to orient the sprinklers. For example, the system controllercan receive data from a wind sensor or doppler radar to determine the flow path of airborne particles within the area. Based on the received data, the system controllercan orient the sprinklersaccording to the movement of the airborne particles within the area.

In some embodiments, the system controllercan forecast (predict) airborne particle migration using historical trends, weather forecasts, or airborne particle release simulations, or combinations thereof. Based on the predictions, the system controllercan control the sprinklers. For example, in one instance, the system controllermay predict an influx of airborne particles from the west of the areaand preemptively orient one or more of the sprinklerstoward the oncoming airborne particles (westward).

The foregoing sprinkler systemprovides a closed-loop, dynamic system that can use some combination of real-time data, meteorological data, and predictive data to provide control over the ambient air quality using the sprinklers. The sprinkler systemcan selectively control the fluid flow, fluid pressure, and orientation (spray trajectory) of the sprinklersaccording to the received data, as opposed to merely turning on sprinklerswhen ambient air quality control in an areais required. The selective control over the sprinklersallows for a selective targeting of airborne particle (pollution) hotspots and reduces water usage, which is particularly beneficial in areas where water is a valuable commodity. The sprinkler systemfurther creates a positive impact on surrounding vegetation growth pattern and effective photosynthesis.

is an alternative arrangement of the water sprinkler system of, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The arrangement inis substantially the same as the arrangement in. However, as shown in, the sprinklerscan be mounted to an elevated or “upper” structure, such as the roof of a building, for example, and can receive fluid from the fluid sourcevia a piping arrangementwithin the upper structure. In another embodiment, the upper structurecomprises a fence that surrounds the area, and the fence can have a range of heights necessary to properly function.

illustrate a first example implementation of the sprinkler system of, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in, airborne particles (e.g., pollution, a dust cloud, etc.)enter the area. The system controllerreceives data from the various sensors of the system(air quality sensor, environmental sensor, etc.) to determine which of the sprinklersto selectively actuate (transition from a closed state to an open state). Based on the values of the measured parameters, the system controllercan selectively transition the sprinklersbetween the off and on states as the airborne particlesmove through the area, as shown in the transition fromto.

illustrate a second example implementation of the sprinkler system of, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in, airborne particles (e.g., pollution, a dust cloud, etc.)enter the area. The system controllerreceives data from the various sensors of the system(air quality sensor, environmental sensor, etc.) to determine which of the sprinklersto selectively actuate (transition from a closed state to an open state). Similar to the example in, and based on the values of the measured parameters, the system controllercan selectively transition the sprinklersbetween the off and on states as the airborne particlesmove through the area.

In addition, the system controllercan control the orientation of the sprinklers. For example, as shown in, the system controllercan control an orientation of the middle sprinklersuch that the left and middle sprinklersco-operatively spray the airborne particles. Similarly, as shown in, the system controllercan control an orientation of the left and right sprinklerssuch that all three sprinklers co-operatively spray the airborne particles.

is a schematic flowchart of an example methodof suppressing airborne particles, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The methodincludes sensing, with a sensor, a parameter of airborne particles, as at. In some aspects, a sensor, such as an air quality sensor, can sense one or more parameters of airborne particles within an area, such as area.

The methodfurther includes selectively transitioning, with a controller, a plurality of sprinklers from a first state to a second state, as at. In some aspects, a controller, such as system controller, can receive values of the one or more parameters sensed by the sensors. Based on the values of the one or more parameters (such as the values of the parameters approaching, reaching, or exceeding a threshold), the controller can selectively transition one or more sprinklers, such as sprinklers, from a closed state to an open state to spray (discharge) a fluid at the airborne particles. In some aspects, the controller (system controller) can control the sprinklers by communicating (wired or wirelessly) with sprinkler controllers (sprinkler controllers) of to the sprinklers. The sprinkler controllers, based on the communication, can selectively control valves of the sprinklers (control valves) to regulate a fluid flow from the sprinklerstoward the airborne particles.

The methodoptionally further includes receiving meteorological data and selectively transitioning the sprinklers from the first state to the second state further based on the received meteorological data, as at. In some aspects, the system controller can receive meteorological data (weather forecasts, LIDAR sensor data, anemometer data, wind direction data, temperature or humidity data, or combinations thereof). Based on this receive data, the controller can determine which of the sprinklers to selectively transition from the first state to the second state and/or what direction to orient the sprinklers.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, for example, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “contains”, “containing”, “includes”, “including,” “comprises”, and/or “comprising,” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Terms of orientation are used herein merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of “third” does not imply there must be a corresponding “first” or “second.” Also, if used herein, the terms “coupled” or “coupled to” or “connected” or “connected to” or “attached” or “attached to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such.

The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended to be implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning other than the broadest meaning understood by skilled artisans, such a special or clarifying definition will be expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that provides the special or clarifying definition for the term or phrase. It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless otherwise specified.

For example, the following discussion contains a non-exhaustive list of definitions of several specific terms used in this disclosure (other terms may be defined or clarified in a definitional manner elsewhere herein). These definitions are intended to clarify the meanings of the terms used herein. It is believed that the terms are used in a manner consistent with their ordinary meaning, but the definitions are nonetheless specified here for clarity.

As used in this specification and the claims, the terms “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” mean that at least the named compound, element, material, particle, or method step is present in the composition, the article, or the method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, elements, materials, particles, or method steps even if the other such compounds, elements, materials, particles, or method steps have the same function as that which is named, unless expressly excluded in the claims. It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps before or after the combined recited steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified.

Moreover, it is also to be understood that the lettering of process steps or ingredients is for identifying discrete activities or ingredients and the recited lettering can be arranged in any sequence, unless expressly indicated.

For the purpose of the present description and of the claims which follow, except where otherwise indicated, numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Also, ranges include any combination of the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.